Archive April 13, 2007

Spill the Wine

Happy Friday the 13th! This is a day feared by many but who knows why? I tried to figure it out, but quickly declared it too confusing. For example, did you know that a Friday occurring on the 13th day of any month is considered to be a day of bad luck in English, German and Portuguese-speaking cultures while in Greece and Spain, Tuesday the 13th takes on the same role. I suppose I could ask someone who suffers from Paraskevidekatriaphobics (trying saying that 3 times!). These are people afflicted with the fear of Friday the 13th. Whatever the case is, it did get me thinking about superstitions; and of course, about wine.

Did you know it’s considered good luck to spill your wine while toasting? Back in the day, letting the wine spill into each others glass would prove to the person you’re toasting that there wasn’t any poison in their wine. I practice this all the time as you never know when your friend is going to slip a little poison in your Pinot. Just be careful while toasting because it’s bad luck if you break your glass.

Another interesting superstition comes from Egyptian times. Evidently ancient Kings did not drink wine because it was believed to be the blood of the men they had once battled and when they fell dead to the ground, grape vines sprung up. According to them, drunkenness "drives men out of their senses and crazes them, inasmuch as they are then filled with the blood of their forbears." Wow-I had no idea it was so risky to have a nice buzz.

I’m not sure how I feel about all this. There are so many other things to fear-like running out of wine or having your corkscrew break. To be safe, I’m staying in and putting my fears to rest with some wine.

Here’s what I’m drinking in honor of this day of superstitions:
2004 Black Cat Riesling - Riesling blend. From Moslland Zellar Vineyards in Germany. It’s very crisp and refreshing and pairs well with most salads, grilled chicken and spicy noodle dishes. Retails for around $9.99. Found at most wine stores. The bottle, alone is reason enough to try this wine, as it’s actually shaped like a cat.

Cheers!

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